Limerick proves local is best

ONE of the GAA's great assets is the tribal rivalry that exists in its competitions but, strangely, a variation of that theme - the passion associated with Limerick rugby - was conveyed to our screens on Network Two's Sport& Stadium on Saturday, a live event which proved that, sometimes, local is indeed best.

In this day and age when international sporting occasions dominate the old gogglebox, it was somewhat refreshing to see a sports fixture, minus the hype and million-dollar purses, in our own back garden produce a good, old-fashioned upset of sorts.

Dooradoyle may not compare with Wembley's Twin Towers or the fervour of Ibrox, but the atmosphere for the Young Munster-Garryowen All-Ireland League encounter was more than adequately conveyed in to our living rooms. As Tony Ward exclaimed: "This is going to be a biggie."

The only thing was, nobody really expected Young Munster to tear up the script. Sure, they'd give it a lash. Sure, pride was at stake. But, when all was said and done, Garryowen would be proclaimed champions. Ah, the wonder of sport. Nothing is ever certain. Shannon will certainly nod in agreement.

Commentator Fred Cogley must have had his crystal ball with him when he welcomed us back after the half-time intermission (with the sides level 9-9) with the words "we're all expecting some fun and games in the second half." But even he couldn't have prophesied the manner in which Young Munster would disrupt Garryowen's party, acting like gatecrashers who are given all the best food.

In contrast to the first halt when the RTE commentary team were, perhaps, a little effusive in their praise for Garryowen - "Kenny (Smith) has a lovely relaxed style, he just strokes the ball." "Give Richard Wallace any space at all, he can do lethal damage" - the reality that an upset was on the cards changed their tune in the second half.

"Now we'll see what Garryowen are made of," invited Ward when Des Clohessy scored Munster's first try. And Cogley warned: "Garryowen are looking that little bit tired, their heads are going down just a little.

When Young Munster's Mick Fitzgerald went over for the second try - "he held on to the ball just like a fly-half," opined Cogley, of the giant forward - the writing was on the wall. And when David Walsh grabbed the third try for the visitors, Ward exclaimed: "It is game, set and match to Young Munster."